Opus No. 1

"Opus No. 1" is a popular song, composed in 1943 by Sy Oliver, with lyrics by Sid Garris. The tune is often titled "Opus One", or "Opus #1". It has become a standard song in the swing, jazz and big band repertoire.

This article is about the 1943 song. For the Tim Carleton and Darrick Deel song, see Music on hold § Styles of music.

The song was a big hit for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra in 1944.[1]

Recorded versions
  • The song was first recorded (in stereo) for the film Broadway Rhythm in late 1943 but was cut before the film's release and therefore unreleased.
  • Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra (recorded November 14, 1944, released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-1608, with the flip side "I Dream of You (More than You Dream I Do),[2] re-released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-2008, with the flip side "Chicago"[3]) The Dorsey version was used in Woody Allen's film Radio Days. (1987)
  • Ted Heath and his Orchestra, London 1945. Heath used Opus One, arranged by saxophonist Norman Impey, as a second signature tune, and his band would open countless broadcasts and concerts with the tune for the next 20 years. Heath's staff arranger Johnny Keating wrote a new concert arrangement of Opus One in 1957 for the LP "Ted Heath Recalls The Fabulous Dorseys” on Decca. This arrangement also appears on the Decca LPs “Ted Heath 21st Anniversary Album” De LK 4903 LK 4224 and “Swing is King Volume 1” De LK 4911[4]
  • Gene Krupa and his orchestra (vocal: Anita O'Day; recorded August 21, 1945, released by Columbia Records as catalog number 37224, with the flip side "Valse Triste"[5])
  • The Mills Brothers (recorded September 17, 1954, released by Decca Records as catalog number 29496, with the flip side "Yes You Are"[6])
  • Harry James recorded a version in 1962 on his album The Solid Gold Trumpet of Harry James (MGM E-4058).[7]
  • Ralph Burns and his orchestra recorded it for Martin Scorsese's film New York, New York (1977).
  • The Boston Pops Orchestra recorded a version with then-conductor John Williams in 1991.

References
  1. Whitburn, Joel (1986). Joel Whitburn's Pop Memories 1890-1954. Wisconsin, USA: Record Research Inc. p. 138. ISBN 0-89820-083-0.
  2. RCA Victor Records in the 20-1500 to 20-1999 series
  3. RCA Victor Records in the 20-2000 to 20-2499 series
  4. Gray, Max (January 2006). "Ted Heath Discography". Archived from the original on 2011-08-22. Retrieved 2019-08-08.
  5. Columbia Records in the 37000 to 37499 series
  6. Decca Records in the 29000 to 29499 series
  7. "Discogs.com". Discogs.com. Retrieved March 3, 2018.


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